Tourism Minister Thong Khon said the hotel represents a significant addition to the local hospitality industry.

“Starts’ first hotel, Emion Phnom Penh, represents a major contribution to the hotel sector.

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“While the number of Japanese investors in Cambodia has increased, I hope the new project will attract more Japanese tourists and investors to Cambodia. It has not only contributed to job creation, but vocational training and sustainable tourism as well,” the minister said.

Mr Khon added that in order to continue attracting tourists from the East Asian nation, the Ministry of Tourism has drafted a strategy that exclusively targets Japanese tourists. It includes the creation of a master plan to strengthen the development and management of existing tourist destinations and attract more investment to the development of new tourism products.

Emion Phnom Penh, which the minister said was built in a “highly and thoughtful environment”, provides short and long-term stays.

Located approximately 60 minutes by car from the airport, it is close to landmarks like the Royal Palace, Aeon Mall I, and the riverside.

In the first eight months of the year, 130,000 Japanese tourists visited Cambodia. 69,279 of them made a stop in Phnom Penh.

Gender stereotypes are still exerting influence on career choices in Cambodia. In the country, certain jobs such as drivers and mechanics are generally considered masculine, and thus, not suitable for females.

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